Kristin Ess is a celebrity hair stylist known for her work with stars like Lauren Conrad and Lucy Hale. She launched her own haircare line in 2017 which has become popular at Target and online. But is Kristin Ess actually used and recommended by professional hair stylists? Let’s take a look at what stylists have to say about her products.
Kristin Ess Hair Products
The Kristin Ess hair product line includes shampoos, conditioners, styling products, treatments, and tools. Some of the most popular items include:
- Signature Shampoo & Conditioner
- Dry Shampoo
- Sea Salt Spray
- Instant Shine Hair Gloss
- One Signature Hair Gloss
- Fragrance Mist
- Blow Dry Collection (spray, mousse, brush)
- Curling Iron
The products are free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates and contain natural ingredients. They are color-safe and generally marketed as salon-quality at an affordable drugstore price point.
Reviews from Hairstylists
Overall, Kristin Ess products get positive reviews from professional hair stylists citing their high performance, gentle formulas, and affordable price point.
Here are some reviews from popular hair stylists and influencers:
| Reviewer | Comments |
|---|---|
| Chris Appleton | “I love the Kristin Ess dry shampoo! Gives great texture and volume.” |
| Andrew Fitzsimons | “The Air Dry Cream is a must have – cuts down drying time and keeps your hair so hydrated and soft!” |
| Steph Stone | “Loving the Instant Shine Hair Gloss – gives crazy shine and helps control flyaways.” |
Best Kristin Ess Products for Stylists
When polled, here are some of the Kristin Ess products that hair stylists say they use most in the salon:
| Product | Reasons Stylists Love It |
|---|---|
| Dry Shampoo |
|
| Sea Salt Spray |
|
| One Signature Shampoo & Conditioner |
|
Tips from Stylists on Using Kristin Ess
Here are some pro tips from top stylists on how they use Kristin Ess products in the salon:
- Use the Instant Shine Hair Gloss before blow drying to protect hair from heat and leave a frizz-free finish.
- Apply the Air Dry Cream to wet hair and scrunch for perfect beach waves.
- Mix the Texturizing Paste with Sea Salt Spray in palms and work through dry hair for messy texture.
- Spritz Dry Shampoo at the roots before teasing for added volume and grip.
- Finish styles with Hair Fragrance Mist for a lightly scented, soft hold.
Stylist’s Take on Kristin Ess Quality
When reviewing the Kristin Ess line, hair stylists commonly cite the following pros about the quality:
- Packaging looks high-end and mirrors salon brands
- Pleasant but not overpowering fragrances
- Ingredients are high quality and safe for most hair types
- Formulas leave hair feeling healthy and conditioned
- Comparable performance to salon brands at a fraction of the price
Some cons mentioned by stylists include:
- The shampoos don’t foam or lather as much as typical drugstore brands
- The fragrance might be too much for those sensitive to scents
- Range is limited primarily to basic hair care and styling products
But overall most agree the Kristin Ess line delivers affordable, high performing products that do compare well to professional brands.
Conclusion
While not a professional salon brand, the Kristin Ess line receives mainly positive feedback from most hair stylists. They praise the quality ingredients, packaging, and performance – especially for the reasonable prices. It’s become a favorite drugstore recommendation for options like shampoo, basic styling products, and heat protectants. Some limitations exist in the range of products and fragrances. But overall the consensus seems to be that Kristin Ess is a solid, stylist-approved drugstore line for quality and value.
